Church goes digital to fight fast food plan

Oldham's oldest Church of England parish used the latest technology to fight plans for a 19th fast food takeaway near the church. St James, on Barry Street in Derker, has set up a Twitter account and started 'tweeting' to parishioners as part of a campaign against a KFC drive-through.

Oldham's oldest Church of England parish used the latest technology to fight plans for a 19th fast food takeaway near the church.

St James, on Barry Street in Derker, has set up a Twitter account and started 'tweeting' to parishioners as part of a campaign against a KFC drive-through.

The planning committee approved the proposal at a meeting last week - despite the church arguing that there are already 18 takeaways on a quarter-mile stretch between nearby Huddersfield Road and Ripponden Road.

After the meeting Reverend Paul Plumpton spoke of his huge disappointment at the decision to open the KFC on land at the corner of Barry Street and Huddersfield Road.

"We are about the only interesting, both historically and architecturally, building in Derker. We were promised the end of Barry Street would be turned into a suitable entrance to Derker and be in keeping with the church. I don't think anyone contemplated a KFC to be fulfilling that purpose. We're all pretty disgusted and feel helpless.

"Many people in the area hoping that Derker would be improved but here we have yet another takeaway. Do we really need another when there are 18 food outlets in a matter of yards?"

In a letter to the committee Mr Plumpton said members of the congregation regularly had to clean up litter left behind in the church grounds, including takeaway cartons.

Ward councillor Jackie Stanton spoke on behalf of objectors, highlighting concerns over the increase in traffic, litter and the detrimental impact on the Grade II listed church, which opened in 1829.

But the committee was told there were no planning reasons to reject the proposal as the church is surrounded by industrial buildings.

Cllr John Battye said: "St James is of architectural merit but there is nothing around the site that is of equal value. We don't have a chance with the inspectors on appeal if we refuse this."

But despite the disappointing ruling the church will be continue to tweet.

Website designer and church member Matthew Kennedy explained: "It was always much more than just about the KFC objection. We are quite traditional but always looking for modern ways and tools to connect with people. One way in which we do that is through our website and Twitter feed.

"We're trying to get word out that we are here and this gives us a presence online.

"The congregation is already very supportive of the website which is just over a old now. That slowly developed and this is just the next step."

Other networking sites such as Facebook, Bebo and Myspace were explored but Matthew felt Twitter, which sees users tweet short updates, was the most appropriate.

Mr Plumpton added: "I don't know of any other churches on Twitter think it could be an example they may follow.

"It's not the message that changes but the method in which it is put out.

"We are very traditional believers here at St James and although the content remains the same the way we put that message out is moving with the times. This seems to be the way forward in terms of communication."